Regional NSW lockdown slammed by Byron mayor Michael Lyon, shire has no active Covid-19 cases
With livelihoods, relationships and mental health at stake and no sign of the virus on the Northern Rivers, there have been calls to urgently review stay at home orders.
Byron Shire
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Byron Shire mayor Michael Lyon has called on the state government to end lockdown in the region, which has no active Covid-19 cases.
While he initially cited a suggestion that regional New South Wales could face another six weeks of lockdown, Mr Lyon acknowledged it had “since been clarified that no decision has been made”.
But Mr Lyon said any ongoing lockdown of his region, which has no active Covid-19 cases, was not warranted.
“The public health advice we receive is integral to the decision-making in our state, and rightly so,” Mr Lyon said.
“However, if this advice were to recommend an extension of lockdown in the Northern Rivers, I would be deeply concerned.
“We have had no community transmission, indeed no local cases other than the real estate guy and his kids and there have been no fragments in the latest sewer testing from Grafton to Tweed.”
He said it was vital to balance “the needs of people with the risks of leaving lockdown”.
He has argued there’s a strong argument now for the region to be released from lockdown.
“I can see no justifiable reason for this lockdown to be extended.
“People’s livelihoods, savings, relationships and mental health are all at stake.
“The lockdown in the Northern Rivers needs to be lifted.
“If we get another case, or cases, and we have to return, so be it, we can worry about that then but right now it is essential we lift the lockdown.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro confirmed on Wednesday Tweed MP Geoff Provest was wrong to suggest any decision on a further six week lockdown.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has since confirmed an extension of two weeks, until midnight on September 10, for the lockdown in regional New South Wales.
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